U.S. patent application number 10/825876 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for method and apparatus for monitoring a safe.
Invention is credited to Barcellos, Eduardo DeCastro, Dylewski, Gregory Grzegorz, Ivey, James III, McGunn, Edward J..
Application Number | 20040201472 10/825876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25529119 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040201472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGunn, Edward J. ; et
al. |
October 14, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a safe
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a method of
monitoring a safe comprising the steps of providing (402) an
electronic lock for the safe; receiving (404) information from a
security device in an area proximate to the safe; and making (406)
security information from the security device during a transaction
with the electronic lock. According to another aspect of the
invention, an apparatus for monitoring a safe comprises an
electronic lock (144) incorporated in a safe; a control unit (142)
coupled to the electronic lock; and a security system (148) coupled
to the control unit.
Inventors: |
McGunn, Edward J.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Ivey, James III; (osen, IL) ; Dylewski,
Gregory Grzegorz; (Chicago, IL) ; Barcellos, Eduardo
DeCastro; (Posen, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
25529119 |
Appl. No.: |
10/825876 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10825876 |
Apr 16, 2004 |
|
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09982384 |
Oct 18, 2001 |
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6724303 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 13/08 20130101;
E05G 1/04 20130101; G07F 5/18 20130101; E05F 15/77 20150115; G08B
13/19669 20130101; G07F 9/002 20200501; G08B 13/19697 20130101;
G07C 9/00912 20130101; G07F 19/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/521 |
International
Class: |
G08B 019/00 |
Claims
1-43. (Cancelled).
44. A safe comprising: a housing; a door moveably mounted to the
housing; an electronic lock including a lock control circuit for
selectively opening or locking the door; and a control unit
operatively associated with the electronic lock for monitoring
activities performed with the safe, the control unit comprising a
communication interface for communication on an external network,
the control unit transmitting information associated with the
monitored activities to a user via the external network.
45. The safe of claim 44 wherein the monitored activities comprise
transactions performed with the electronic lock.
46. The safe of claim 44 wherein the electronic lock comprises a
duress sensor and the control unit transmits indication of a duress
condition determined by the duress sensor.
47. The safe of claim 44 wherein the control unit transmits
information associated with the monitored activities to a user via
the external network with an email notification.
48. The safe of claim 44 wherein the control unit monitors
transactions with the electronic lock over a period of time and
records information related to said transactions that identifies
the type of transaction performed through the electronic lock, and
the recorded information is transmitted over the communication
interface.
49. The safe of claim 48 wherein the control unit stores an audit
trail of monitored transactions including security information
associated with each monitored transaction.
50. The safe of claim 44 wherein the control unit comprises a
programmed computer using a graphical user interface based
operating system.
51. The safe of claim 44 wherein the communication interface
comprises a modem.
52. The safe of claim 44 further comprising a video capture device
operatively associated with the control unit for monitoring an
external area proximate the safe, wherein the monitored activities
comprise video information recorded by the control unit.
53. An apparatus for monitoring a safe comprising: an electronic
lock for controlling a safe and through which a plurality of
different types of transactions can be performed; a control unit
coupled to said electronic lock for controlling said electronic
lock and recording security information related to the different
types of transactions, the control unit comprising a communication
interface for communication on an external network, the control
unit transmitting recorded security information to a user via the
external network.
54. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
monitored activities comprise transactions performed with the
electronic lock.
55. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
electronic lock comprises a duress sensor and the control unit
transmits indication of a duress condition determined by the duress
sensor.
56. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
control unit transmits recorded security information to a user via
the external network with an email notification.
57. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
control unit monitors transactions with the electronic lock over a
period of time and records security information related to said
transactions that identifies the type of transaction performed
through the electronic lock, and the recorded information is
transmitted over the communication interface.
58. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 57 wherein the
control unit stores an audit trail of monitored transactions
including security information associated with each monitored
transaction.
59. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
control unit comprises a programmed computer using a graphical user
interface based operating system.
60. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
communication interface comprises a modem.
61. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 further
comprising a video capture device operatively associated with the
control unit for monitoring an external area proximate the safe,
wherein the security information comprise video information
recorded by the control unit.
62. The apparatus for monitoring a safe of claim 53 wherein the
control unit selectively marks the recorded security information in
response to the occurrence of at least one specific transaction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to safes, and more
particularly to a method and apparatus for monitoring a safe having
an electronic lock.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Throughout history, people have developed locks and/or safes
to protect currency or other valuable items. As electronics
continued to advance, electronic locks were developed. Such
electronic locks made the use of locks and safes more convenient.
However, as the method of doing business of various stores and
businesses has changed, the needs for locks, including some
electronic locks, has changed. In particular, while locks or safes
may prevent criminals from stealing currency, such locks do not
prevent accounting errors or the theft of currency by individuals
who have access to the safes. That is, once a conventional safe is
open, transactions related to the contents of the safe are not
recorded.
[0003] As more stores have extended hours, including 24 hour
stores, more employees have access to a store's currency.
Similarly, as more stores continue to grow and add chains or
franchises, these stores have a greater amount of currency and a
larger number of locations to monitor. While security systems
provide information of occurrences in a facility, such as a store,
such information provides little guidance as to specific
occurrences of an electronic lock of a safe at relevant times. That
is, the security recordings would have to be reviewed in isolation
to determine what a security system recorded during a particular
transaction at a safe.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and
apparatus for monitoring a safe having an electronic lock.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention generally relates to a method of
monitoring a safe comprising the steps of providing an electronic
lock for the safe, recording information from a security device in
an area proximate to the safe, and marking security information
from the security device during a transaction with the electronic
lock.
[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for monitoring a safe comprises an electronic lock incorporated in
a safe, a control unit coupled to the electronic lock, and a
security system coupled to the control unit.
[0007] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system for
monitoring a safe comprises an electronic lock coupled to a safe, a
security device coupled to the electronic lock, a local computer
coupled to the electronic lock; and a remote computer coupled to
the local computer by way of a communication network.
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a method and
apparatus for monitoring a safe having an electronic lock by an
external control unit.
[0009] It is a further object of the invention to monitor a safe
having an electronic lock from a remote location.
[0010] It is a further object of the invention to couple a security
system to a control unit associated with an electronic lock for
monitoring the activity of a safe.
[0011] It is a further object of the invention to create an audit
trail related to transactions of a safe recorded by an electronic
lock.
[0012] It is a further object of the invention to coordinate
information from a security device and an electronic lock in
response to a duress condition recorded by the electronic lock of a
safe.
[0013] Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the
following specification taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring a safe
having an electronic lock according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic lock apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic locking system
enabling remote access according to an alternate embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring a
safe coupled to a security device according to the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring a
safe coupled to a photographic device according to an alternate
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring a
safe having a duress sensor according to a further alternate
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method for monitoring a
safe having an electronic lock from a remote location according to
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a tree diagram showing the functions of software
for monitoring a safe having an electronic lock according to the
present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a tree diagram showing an audit trail feature for
monitoring a safe having an electronic lock according to the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Turning now to FIG. 1, a perspective view shows a safe
having an electronic lock which is coupled to a control unit. In
particular, an electronic locking system 100 comprises a safe 102
having an electronic lock 104. The electronic lock 104 further
includes an input/output port 110. Finally, the safe 102 includes a
door 112, a handle 114, and hinges 116 and 118. Although a single
door is shown, it will be understood that the safe could include a
plurality of doors, as is well known in the art.
[0024] The electronic locking system 100 further includes a control
unit 120 preferably having a keypad 122 and a display 124. The
control unit 120 further includes an input/output port 126 for
communicating with the electronic lock 104 by way of a
communication link 130. The control unit 120 could be any
conventional computer or other communication device. The control
unit 120 could be remotely located and communicate with the
electronic lock 104 by any known protocol, such as RS-232, or some
proprietary protocol, over a wireline or wireless interface or
network. Finally, a security system 132 is coupled to control unit
120.
[0025] Although the elements of the electronic lock apparatus are
shown in the orientation of FIG. 1, the elements of the electronic
locking system 100 are coupled such that the control unit 120
receives information from both the electronic lock 104 and the
security system 132. Similarly, while a single control unit 120 and
a single electronic lock 104 are shown, a plurality of control
units 120 could communicate with more than one of electronic lock
104 or more than one safe 102. Further, as will become apparent in
reference to the remaining figures, the communication link 130
could link the control unit 120 to the electronic lock 104 locally
or over a remote network. If the control unit 120 is in close range
to electronic lock 104, any short range wireless transmission
protocol could be used. Similarly, a remote communication link
could be achieved by a conventional landline connection, or
wirelessly.
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram shows the electronic
locking system 100 in greater detail. In particular, the control
circuit unit 120 includes a control circuit 202, such as a
microprocessor or other integrated circuit, coupled to a memory 204
for storing information received from the electronic lock 104 or
security system 132. The control unit 120 further comprises a modem
207 which enables communication from an external device, such as a
second control unit (not shown) at a remote location. Also, an
input/output circuit 208 is adapted to couple any type of
peripheral device, such as a keyboard for receiving information or
a printer for printing information, to the control circuit 202.
Finally, a communication circuit 210 enables communication by way
of an input/output port 126 which is coupled by way of the
communication link 130 to the input/output port 110 coupled to the
electronic lock 104. The communication link 130 enables the
transfer of information between the control unit 120 and an
electronic lock 104, and could be a wired or wireless link. While
the control unit 120 could be external to the safe, it could be
located within the safe according to the present invention.
Alternatively, some or all elements of the control unit 120 could
be incorporated within the electronic lock 104.
[0027] The electronic lock 104 preferably comprises a control
circuit 220 which is coupled to a communication circuit 222 for
receiving information by way of the input/output port 216. The
communication circuit 222 could be any circuit for enabling
communication between the control unit 120 and the electronic lock
104 according to any known protocol, such as RS-232, or a
proprietary protocol. The communication circuit 222 could be a
conventional modem, or a custom ASIC for enabling communication
between the devices.
[0028] The electronic lock 104 could optionally include a display
223 for displaying information and a keypad 224 for inputting
information at the safe. The electronic lock 104 further includes a
lock control circuit 225 for controlling one or more locks of the
safe. One or more door sensors 226 are also preferably incorporated
in the electronic lock 104 and coupled to the control circuit 220
to detect the state of a door of the safe. A power supply 228, such
as an A/C power supply circuit, provides power to the control
circuit and other elements of the electronic lock. A bill validator
230 and a change dispenser 232 are also coupled to the control
circuit to enable a user of the safe to deposit currency and/or
receive change without opening the safe. Finally, the electronic
lock 104 preferably includes an expansion port 234 to enable the
use of other optional peripheral devices such as a password
keyboard, infrared key or other hardware, if desired.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, a block diagram shows an electronic
locking system 300 enabling remote access to a lock of a safe
according to the present invention. In particular, a control unit
301 remote from the lock includes a control circuit 302 coupled to
a memory 304 preferably for receiving and/or storing data or
information collected by the electronic locking system 300. The
control unit 301 further includes a display 306 and an input/output
circuit 308 for receiving information from or providing information
to a peripheral device, such as a keyboard or printer, as is well
known in the art. The control unit 301 further includes a modem 310
coupled to a communication link 311 by way of an input/output port
312. The modem 310 enables communication between the control unit
301 and the electronic locking system 100 over a communication
network 313. The communication network 313 could be any type of
landline or wireless communication network to enable communication
with electronic locking apparatus 100 by way of communication link
314.
[0030] In addition to the common features already described in
reference to FIG. 2, the electronic lock system 100 of FIG. 3
includes an additional bill validator 316 to improve the ability to
read currency. The electronic lock 104 could further include a
modem 319 to enable a direct communication with the electronic lock
104, if desired. The safe 102 could further include a duress sensor
330, such as a vibration sensor or motion sensor to detect
unauthorized activity at the safe. Finally, the security system 132
preferably comprises a camera 340, a closed circuit TV 342, or a
door sensor 344. As will be described in reference to later
figures, a duress condition could also be recorded by a user
entering a predetermined code on a keypad, such as modifying the
user's ID by replacing the last digit with a predetermined number,
for example. However, it will be understood that other elements of
security systems which are well known in the art could be employed
according to the present invention.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 4, a flow chart shows a method for
monitoring a safe coupled to a security device according to the
present invention. An electronic lock is provided for a safe in a
step 402. The electronic lock could be, for example, the electronic
lock 104. A security device, such as the security device 108 in an
area proximate to the safe is provided as step 404. Information
from the security device and information from an electronic lock is
then stored at a step 406. As will be described in more detail to
the remaining figures, the information is preferably stored in such
a way to enable the easy identification of security information
recorded during transactions at the electronic lock.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow chart shows a method for
monitoring a safe coupled to a photographic device of a security
system according to an alternate embodiment of the present
invention. In particular, a safe is provided for an electronic lock
at a step 502. A photographic device is coupled to an electronic
lock of the safe in an area proximate to the device at a step 504.
Finally, information recorded by the photographic device at the
time of the transaction is then "marked" at a step 506 to enable
easy access of security photos or video associated with a
particular transaction. The photographic device could be any type
of still or video camera, and could be coupled to the electronic
lock of the safe by any means, such as a cable, or a wireless
communication means.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 6, a flow chart shows a method for
monitoring a safe having a duress sensor according to a further
alternate embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an
electronic lock is provided for a safe at a step 602. A duress
sensor is coupled to the safe at a step 604. The duress sensor
could be a conventional sensor, such as a vibration sensor or
motion sensor, or it could be a software feature of an electronic
lock enabling a user to provide an alert of the duress condition.
When a duress condition is detected at the safe at a step 606,
information related to transactions of the electronic lock during a
duress condition is marked at a step 608. Such information could
include both information recorded by the electronic lock as well as
information from a security system coupled to the electronic lock
on a control unit.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 7, a flow chart shows a method for
monitoring a safe having an electronic lock from a remote location
according to the present invention. In particular, activities of
the electronic lock of a safe are monitored at a step 702. The safe
is also monitored to determine a duress condition at a step 704.
The area near the safe is monitored with a security system at a
step 706. The security system preferably records any events or
occurrences in the area near the safe. Such occurrences could
include any activities ranging from a buyer entering a store to a
store employee approaching the safe. It is then determined whether
a transaction is conducted with the electronic lock of the safe at
a step 708. If no transaction is detected, it is determined if a
duress condition is detected at the safe at a step 710. If neither
condition is detected, the electronic lock, safe, and area near the
safe continues to be monitored at a step 712.
[0035] However, if a transaction is conducted or a duress condition
is detected, the information recorded by the security system during
the transaction is marked for easy identification at a later time
at a step 714. For example, while the security system may
continuously monitor or record the area around the safe, the
security system can isolate occurrences during a transaction and
"mark" portions of a recording associated with certain occurrences
during the transaction. Such transactions could include depositing
money into the safe or receiving change, or any of the functions
described in reference to FIG. 8. It is then determined whether a
remote access to the electronic lock information is desired at a
step 716. If the information is desired, the information is
provided to an authorized user at a remote location by way of a
communication network at a step 718.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 8, a tree diagram shows the functions of
software adapted to perform the methods of the present invention.
Such functions could be implemented in software running on any
operating system, such as a Windows based system. In particular, a
LOGIN Frame 802 is accessible by selecting the program
incorporating the methods of the present invention. For example,
the program could be selected on control unit 120 as shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. The LOGIN Frame generally includes areas for receiving
login information, such as a user ID and a personal information
number (PIN). A user could optionally select a BACK DOOR Frame 804,
which would enable a user to more quickly login. For example, by
selecting a secret location on the frame or entering an override
response key, the user could gain access to the MAIN MENU Frame
806.
[0037] When the MAIN MENU Frame is reached, a number of command
buttons are shown. For example, a SET UP MENU Button 810 enables a
user to select a SET UP MENU Frame 812. The SET UP MENU Frame 812
preferably includes an option to select a variety of functions
performed by the software. For example, a user could specify the
communications port, the number of doors controlled by the
electronic lock, the types of bill accepted, the use of sound, the
number of work shifts, e-mail addresses for notification, or
preferences for marking and storing information recorded by the
security system. Within the SET UP MENU Frame 812 are a SAVE
Command Button 814 to allow a user to save the selected set of
features, a RELOAD Command Button 816 to allow a user to return to
previous settings, and a RETURN Command Button 818 to return to the
main menu, for example, after saving new set up options.
[0038] An OPEN DOOR Command Button 820 is also present on the MAIN
MENU Frame 806. The OPEN DOOR Command Button 820, when selected,
accesses an OPEN DOOR Frame 822. The OPEN DOOR Frame 822 includes a
RETURN Command Button 824 and an OPEN Command Button 826. The OPEN
Command Button 826 generally enables a user to open the safe door
by way of the electronic lock. Such a selection of an OPEN Command
Button is preferably saved in an audit trail database, as will be
described in more detail in reference to FIG. 9.
[0039] The MAIN MENU Frame also includes a USER SETUP Command
Button 830, which when selected, accesses a USER SETUP Frame 832.
When in the USER SETUP Frame 832, a user can select a DELETE USER
Command Button 834. If selected, the DELETE USER Command Button 834
leads to a DELETE USER Frame 836 having a CANCEL Command Button
838, a DELETE Command Button 840, and a RETURN Command Button 842.
Accordingly, a particular user, when highlighted on the DELETE USER
Frame 836, can be deleted by selecting the DELETE Command Button
840.
[0040] Similarly, a user can be added by selecting the ADD USER
Command Button 850 on the USER SET UP Frame 832. When the ADD USER
Command Button 850 is selected, an ADD USER Frame 852 is accessed.
The user information for a new user is then added to the ADD USER
Frame, and an ADD Command Button 854 can then be selected. A RETURN
Command Button 856 can then be selected to return to the USER SET
UP Frame.
[0041] Authorized users can also select a MODIFY USER Command
Button 860 to access a MODIFY PIN NUMBER Frame 862. The MODIFY PIN
NUMBER Frame allows an unauthorized user to change a PIN number for
a user, and save the change by selecting a SAVE Command Button 864.
The user can cancel the change by selecting the CANCEL Command
Button 866 or return to the USER SETUP Frame 832 by selecting a
RETURN Command Button 868. Finally, a RETURN Command Button 870 is
also included in the USER SETUP Frame 832 to allow the user to
return to the MAIN MENU Frame 806.
[0042] A DEPOSIT MONEY Command Button 880 is also displayed on the
MAIN USER Frame 806. When selected, a Bill Validator Frame 882 is
then displayed activating the bill validator and enabling a user to
deposit money into the bill validator. The Bill Validator Frame 882
includes a RETURN Command Button 884 and a PRINT RECEIPT Command
Button 886. A MANUAL DROP Command Button 888 is also included to
allow a user to manually deposit money within the safe, for example
if the Bill Validator will not accept a particular bill. The MANUAL
DROP Frame 890, displayed when the MANUAL DROP Command Button 888
is selected, allows a user access a drawer to perform manual drop
of currency and enter the amount of currency deposited. The MANUAL
DROP Frame 890 also includes DROP Command Button 1092 and a RETURN
Command Button 894. A REQUEST CHANGE Button 895 can be selected to
enable a user to enter the desired coins to be returned and insert
one or more bills into the bill validator to receive change for the
bills without opening the safe.
[0043] Finally, an AUDIT TRAIL Command Button 896 is included in
the MAIN MENU Frame 806 to allow a user to view an audit trail of
transactions involved with the safe. The functions of the audit
trail feature of the invention will be shown in more detail in
reference to FIG. 9. Preferably, a LOG OUT Command Button 898 is
also provided on the MAIN MENU 806 to allow a user to log out.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 9, a tree diagram shows functions of the
audit trail feature of the present invention. In particular, when
the AUDIT TRAIL Command Button 896 of FIG. 8 is selected, an AUDIT
TRAIL Frame 902 is displayed. A user can select one of a variety of
tool bars to present predetermined information available through
the audit trail. In particular, a user can select an ALL ACTIVITIES
Tool Bar 904 to view an audit trail of all the activities of the
safe. The user could also select a USER ACTIVITIES Tool Bar 906 to
select a particular user and view activities of a particular user
with the safe. A user could also select a DOOR ACTIVITIES Tool Bar
908. A user could also select a BILL VALIDATOR DEPOSIT Tool Bar 910
to view the deposits made by way of the BILL VALIDATOR. A user
could also select a MANUAL DEPOSIT Tool Bar 912 to view an AUDIT
TRAIL of manual deposits. Finally, a user could select a TOTAL
DEPOSIT Tool Bar 914 to view all deposits recorded in the audit
trail database. Finally, a CHANGE REQUEST Tool Bar 916 enables a
user to view an audit trail of all requests for change. Preferably,
the audit trail includes security information associated with each
recorded transaction. For example, one or more photographs could be
shown on or accessed from a page having information related to a
particular transaction. Similarly, video clippings associated with
the transaction could also be accessed. Alternatively, a separate
toolbar could include the security information which could be
sorted by transaction, for example.
[0045] The AUDIT TRAIL Frame 902 also includes a TIME FRAME Frame
920 which allows a user to select a time during which audit trail
records were recorded should be displayed. In particular, a user
can select a SHIFT 1 Option Button 922, a SHIFT 2 Option Button
924, or a FULL DAY Option Button 926. Finally, the AUDIT TRAIL
Frame includes a DISPLAY Command Button 930 to allow a user to
display the selected information from the audit trail database, a
PRINT Command Button 932 to allow a user to print the displayed
information from the audit trail database, or a RETURN Command
Button 934 to return to the AUDIT TRAIL frame 996. The audit trail
database could be stored on the control unit 120, or in a memory of
the control circuit 314 of the safe 102.
[0046] It can therefore be appreciated that a new and novel method
and apparatus for monitoring a safe has been described. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that, given the teaching
herein, numerous alternatives and equivalent will be seen to exist
which incorporate the disclosed invention. For example, the present
invention could incorporate existing security systems, making such
systems more valuable. As a result, the invention is not to be
limited by the foregoing exemplary embodiments, but only by the
following claims.
* * * * *